Officials seize 847 expired water cans

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As the demand for packaged water (20-litre bubble top cans) is increasing owing to the inadequate supply and poor quality of drinking water, the Food Safety Department officials have intensified raids to seize unhygienic bubble top water cans transported into the city.

Food Safety Department officials watering a tree using the seized can during the raid on Wednesday

Chennai:

During the second raid conducted in a week, the officials seized 847 bubble top water cans on Wednesday. The seized cans did not have details of manufacturing, expiry dates, branding or proper labels.

According to an official, three teams conducted the raids on Kolathur 100 Feet Road, near Koyambedu Metrorail station and in Velachery Vijaya Nagar. “Fifty-four vehicles carrying water cans were checked and 847 cans were seized.

There are only 26 bubble top water manufacturing units in the city. Majority of cans used by the city residents are coming from neighbouring Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts,” the official said.

The official added that the rules and regulations mandate printing of manufacturing and expiry date of treated water at the sleeve (cap) of the can. Details of the brands and proper labelling should be given. Of the 847 seized cans, 107 were soiled and in unhygienic condition.

Meanwhile, a report released by Chennai Collectorate explained that of the 5,040 checked cans, 128 did not have details of manufacturing and expiry dates, 347 cans lacked branding.

As many as 289 cans did not have proper labelling. “Under section 55 of Food Safety Act, we have issued 41 notices and 12 notices were issued under Section 63.”

In a raid conducted at the same spots on May 8, the officials had checked 3,632 cans and seized 649 of them.

Explaining the reason behind conducting such raids, the official said that due to water scarcity and increasing demands, some treated water manufacturers sell substandard quality water, which poses health risks.

“Normally the RO (Reverse Osmosis) water would expire in 30 days after manufacturing date. After 30 days, the pH level of the water changes and acidity increases. Some manufactures refill water in cans without cleaning them properly,” the official added.